Syngenta Field Report

The Syngenta Field Report features information and experts from Syngenta sharing observations about issues growers are dealing with in the fields.

CRW refuges help prevent resistance

Nov 20, 2009

Caydee Savinelli

Currently, the EPA requires that growers who use traited corn hybrids include some conventional corn nearby for insect resistance management. Why is a refuge needed?

Refuges help maintain rootworm genetics that have never been exposed to Bt.If non-exposed populations breed with exposed populations, we may delay resistance, according to some entomologists.Refuges are designed to prevent a “survival of the fittest” situation where rootworm populations shift to those carrying a higher level of Bt tolerance.